Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Investments Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Table] Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items] Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items] Fixed price subcontract on government project, term Revenue Recognition, Fixed Price Subcontract On Government Project, Term Revenue Recognition, Fixed Price Subcontract On Government Project, Term Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Battelle Memorial Institute Battelle Memorial Institute [Member] Battelle Memorial Institute [Member] Smiths Detection Inc. Smiths Detection Inc. [Member] Smiths Detection Inc. [Member] A Japanese Aerospace Company A Japanese Aerospace Company [Member] A Japanese Aerospace Company [Member] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Revenue Sales Revenue, Net [Member] Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Customer concentration risk Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration risk, percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Short-term investments Short-term Investments Accounts receivable, net of allowance Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Inventory Inventory, Net Indemnity receivable Indemnity Holdback Current Represents amount indemnity holdback classified as current. Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Long-term investments Long-term Investments Total assets Assets Liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued liabilities and other Accrued Liabilities, Current Income tax payable Accrued Income Taxes, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock, no par value, convertible, 2,500,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding, at March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2015 Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, no par value, 75,000,000 shares authorized; 21,776,381 and 21,864,548 shares issued at March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2015, respectively; 20,612,506 and 20,743,973 shares outstanding at March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2015, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Treasury stock, 1,163,875 and 1,120,575 shares at cost at March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2015, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Equity attributable to stockholders of Astrotech Corporation Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity Income Statement [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income - Tax Effect of reclassification adjustment Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, Tax Other Comprehensive Income - Tax Effect of reclassification adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Tax Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Numerator: Income Amounts Attributable to Parent, Disclosures [Abstract] Amounts attributable to Astrotech Corporation, basic and diluted: Amounts Attributable To Parent Basic And Diluted [Abstract] Loss from continuing operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax benefit Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Loss from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net (loss) income attributable to Astrotech Corporation Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Less: State of Texas deemed dividend (Note 12) Temporary Equity, Accretion to Redemption Value, Adjustment Net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Denominator: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Denominator for basic and diluted net (loss) income per share attributable to Astrotech Corporation — weighted average common stock outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted Basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Net loss attributable to Astrotech Corporation from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic and Diluted Share Net income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic and Diluted Share Net (loss) income attributable to Astrotech Corporation (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Investment [Table] Investment [Table] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Mutual Funds - Corporate & Government Debt Mutual Funds [Member] Represents mutual funds. Fixed Income Bonds Fixed Income Investments [Member] Time Deposits Bank Time Deposits [Member] Investment [Line Items] Investment [Line Items] Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract] Adjusted Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Unrealized Gain Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Unrealized Loss Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities Held-to-maturity Securities [Abstract] Held-to-maturity Securities [Abstract] Carrying Value Held-to-maturity Securities Unrealized Gain Held-to-maturity Securities, Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Gain Unrealized Loss Held-to-maturity Securities, Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Loss Fair Value Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Exercise Price Range [Axis] Exercise Price Range [Axis] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] $0.32 - 0.71 Exercise Price Range One [Member] Exercise Price Range One $1.20 - 1.50 Exercise Price Range Two [Member] Exercise Price Range Two $3.20 - 3.20 Exercise Price Range Three [Member] Exercise Price Range Three $0.32 - 3.20 Exercise Price Range Four [Member] Exercise Price Range Four Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Exercise price lower range (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit Exercise price upper range (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit Number outstanding (in shares) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options Options Outstanding Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (years) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price Number exercisable (in shares) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options Options exercisable weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price Equity [Abstract] Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurement Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Work in process Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Total inventory Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Table] Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Short-Term Investments Short-term Investments [Member] Long-Term Investments Long Term Investments [Member] Long Term Investments [Member] Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items] Available-for-sale securities, current Held-to-maturity securities, maturities from 1-90 days Held-To-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, 1 To 90 Days, Net Carrying Amount Held-To-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, 1 To 90 Days, Net Carrying Amount Held-to-maturity securities, maturities from 91-360 days Held-To-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, 91 To 360 Days, Net Carrying Amount Held-To-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, 91 To 360 Days, Net Carrying Amount Total available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities Available-for-sale Securities and Held-to-maturity Securities Held-to-maturity securities, maturities over 360 days Held-To-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Over 360 Days, Net Carrying Amount Held-To-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Over 360 Days, Net Carrying Amount Held-to-maturity securities, maturities less than 1 year Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Net Carrying Amount Held-to-maturity securities, remaining maturities from 1-3 years Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Three Years, Net Carrying Amount Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Three Years, Net Carrying Amount Held-to-maturity securities, remaining maturities from 3-5 years Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after Three Through Five Years, Net Carrying Amount Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after Three Through Five Years, Net Carrying Amount Held-to-maturity securities Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Term Loan Term Loan [Member] This element represents information of term loan of the entity. Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Astrotech Space Operations Astrotech Space Operations [Member] Represents information regarding Astrotech Space Operations. Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Credit facility expiration date Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date Payment of outstanding balance of term loan Repayments of Debt Outstanding debt Long-term Debt Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] General Information Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Options to purchase shares (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition [Text Block] The entire disclosure for revenue recognition. If the entity has different policies for different types of revenue transactions, the policy for each material type of transaction is generally disclosed. If a sales transaction has multiple element arrangements (for example, delivery of multiple products, services or the rights to use assets) the disclosure may indicate the accounting policy for each unit of accounting as well as how units of accounting are determined and valued. The disclosure may encompass important judgment as to appropriateness of principles related to recognition of revenue. The disclosure also may indicate the entity's treatment of any unearned or deferred revenue that arises from the transaction. Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of changes in stockholders equity Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Revenue Revenues Cost of revenue Cost of Revenue Gross (loss) profit Gross Profit Operating expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Research and development Research and Development Expense Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Loss from operations Operating Income (Loss) Interest and other expense, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Loss from continuing operations before income taxes Discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Income from discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Income tax expense Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation Gain on sale of discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax (Loss) income from discontinued operations Net (loss) income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Deemed dividend to State of Texas Amounts attributable to Astrotech Corporation: Loss from continuing operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic net (loss) income per common share: Net loss attributable to Astrotech Corporation from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Net (loss) income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Net (loss) income attributable to Astrotech Corporation (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Other comprehensive income, net of tax, available-for-sale securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Net unrealized gain (loss), net of tax (expense) benefit of ($10), ($5), $63, and ($5) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Reclassification adjustment for realized losses included in net (loss) income, net of taxes of $0, $0, $5, and $0 Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, Net of Tax Total comprehensive (loss) income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Schedule of fair value of financial instruments Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block] State Of Texas Funding [Abstract] State of Texas Funding State Of Texas Funding [Text Block] State Of Texas Funding [Text Block] Inventory Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Astrotech Corp Stockholders' Equity Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiary Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance Stock based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Shares repurchases Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Net change in available-for-sale securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Net (loss) income Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Balance Schedule of available-for-sale securities Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Schedule of held-to-maturity securities Held-to-maturity Securities [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Lump sum payment received Litigation Settlement, Amount Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Adjustment Scenario, Adjustment [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Revenue Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Cost of revenue Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Costs of Goods Sold Selling, general and administrative Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, General and Administrative Expense Other expense, net Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Interest Expense And Other Expenses Amount of interest expense and other expenses allocated to disposal group, including a discontinued operation. Gain on sale of discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Net loss from continuing operations Effective tax rate for continuing operations Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Federal statutory effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease) State Of Texas Funding [Table] State Of Texas Funding [Table] Represents tabular disclosure regarding state of texas funding. Lease Arrangement, Type [Axis] Lease Arrangement, Type [Axis] Lease Arrangement, Type [Domain] Lease Arrangement, Type [Domain] Texas emerging technology fund Texas Emerging Technology Fund [Member] Represents texas emerging technology fund a legal entity to the transaction. Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] 1st Detect First Detect [Member] Represents first detect a legal entity. State Of Texas Funding [Line Items] State Of Texas Funding [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Funds awarded for development and marketing Funds Awarded For Development And Marketing Represents funds awarded for specified purposes. Note payable interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Payment Of Common Stock Repurchase Right Payment Of Common Stock Repurchase Right Represents common stock repurchase right. Schedule of concentrations of sales and accounts receivable Schedules of Concentration of Risk, by Risk Factor [Table Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Balance Current period change in other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Reclassification to net (loss) income for realized losses Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Balance Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Astrogenetix Astrogenetix [Member] Represents information pertaining to astrogenetix a legal entity. Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Minimum number of space flights negotiated Minimum Number Of Space Flights Negotiated Represents number of space flight negotiated under the agreement. Discontinued Operations & Gain on the Sale of the ASO Business Unit Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Business Risk and Credit Risk Concentration Involving Cash Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, No Par Value Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, No Par Value Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Treasury stock, shares at cost (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Cash proceeds from the sale of the ASO business Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Receivable for indemnity holdback Liabilities assumed by the Buyer Liabilities Assumed Of Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Amount classified as liabilities attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of. Net book value of assets sold Disposal Group Including Discontinued Net Book Value Of Assets Sold Represents aggregate amount of the major classifications and carrying amounts of total assets sold, or to be sold, as part of the disposal group, including a component of the entity (discontinued operation). Other Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets Gain on sale of our former ASO business Share activity: Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Canceled or expired (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Outstanding, end of period (in shares) Weighted Average Exercise Price: Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Outstanding weighted average exercise price, beginning of period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Canceled or expired weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding weighted average exercise price, end of period (in dollars per share) Schedule of inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of disposed of major amounts reported in consolidated statements of operation Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Schedule of earnings per share basic and diluted Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of stock option activity Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block] Schedule of stock options by exercise price Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block] Number of customers Concentration Risk, Number Of Customers Concentration Risk, Number Of Customers FDIC insurance amount per depositor Cash, FDIC Insured Amount Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Securities Repurchase Program Astrotech - Securities Repurchase Program [Member] Astrotech - Securities Repurchase Program Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Employee Stock Option Employee Stock Option [Member] Restricted Stock Restricted Stock [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value of options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Compensation costs recognized related to stock options Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Shares granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Shares vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Shares expired (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Expirations Shares canceled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Forfeitures Common stock repurchase - authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Share repurchases (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Common stock repurchased - value Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Mutual funds Mutual Funds Carrying Value This element represents the carrying value of the mutual funds. Mutual funds, fair value Mutual Funds Fair Value This element represents amount of fair value for mutual funds. Held-to-maturity securities, maturities less than 1 year, fair value Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value Held-to-maturity securities, remaining maturities from 1-3 years, fair value Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Three Years, Fair Value Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Three Years, Fair Value Held-to-maturity securities, remaining maturities from 3-5 years, fair value Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after Three Through Five Years, Fair Value Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, after Three Through Five Years, Fair Value Held-to-maturity securities, maturities from 1-90 days, fair value Held-To-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, 1 To 90 Days, Fair Value Held-To-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, 1 To 90 Days, Fair Value Held-to-maturity securities, maturities from 91-360 days, fair value Held-To-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, 91 To 360 Days, Fair Value Held-To-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, 91 To 360 Days, Fair Value Held-to-maturity securities, maturities over 360 days, fair value Held-To-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Over 360 Days, Fair Value Held-To-Maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Over 360 Days, Fair Value Investments Investments Investments, fair value Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Sale of business unit Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Working capital Working Capital Surplus Deficit Represents amount of working capital. Indemnity holdback Interest expense, debt Interest Expense, Debt Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax Common Stock Incentive, Stock Purchase Plans and Other Compensation Plans Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Net (Loss) Income Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net (loss) income Net Income Including Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax Net Income Including Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax Less: Income from discontinued operations Net loss from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operation, Net of Tax Income (Loss) from Continuing Operation, Net of Tax Adjustments to reconcile net loss from continuing operations to net cash used in operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Amortization Amortization Depreciation Depreciation Changes in assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Other assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Income taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Net cash used in operating activities-continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used in operating activities-discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash used in operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Purchase of short-term investments Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Sale of available-for-sale investments Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Maturities of held-to-maturity securities Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Held-to-maturity Securities Purchases of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities-continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by investing activities-discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash provided by investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Repayment of State of Texas funding, including deemed dividend Repayments of Other Short-term Debt Payments for shares bought back Payments for Repurchase of Equity Minority interest investment in subsidiary Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Proceeds from exercise of stock options Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Net cash used in financing activities-continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used in financing activities-discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net change in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for interest Interest Paid Income taxes paid Income Taxes Paid Astral Images, Inc Astral Images, Inc [Member] Astral Images, Inc [Member] Ownership percentage Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent